A mounting rivalry between defending champion Francesco Moser and “Mr Paris-Roubaix” Roger De Vlaeminck heightened in the press. Teammates in 1978 De Vlaeminck felt unappreciated by Moser and changed teams to GIS.

Sunshine greeted the riders at the start in Compiegne. Early breakaways were caught under the relentless pressure of Bernard Hinault. When the race entered the cobbles at Wannehain the first serious breakaway formed when Marc De Meyer and Hennie Kuiper escaped. Only De Vlaeminck and Moser could bridge the gap to the duo.

After building a solid lead Moser attacked the breakaway solo. In the closing kilometers punctures were numerous for both the chasers and the solo Moser. The Italian’s came with 11 kms to go. After a quick wheel change Moser’s lead was a slim 40”.

An untimely crash by De Vlaeminck slowed the chase and Moser entered the velodrome alone. De Vlaeminck remounted and won group sprint for second place.

SPECIAL NOTE: Francesco Moser cruised to his second straight victory. The battle of words continued after the finish, “This year I owe nothing to anyone” said Moser.